Saint Ambrose	Saint Patrick	Saint Clare of Assisi

 

Ambrose was born into a Roman Christian family and grew up in Milan.

Legend has it that when Ambrose was an infant, a swarm of bees settled in his mouth and left behind a drop of honey. His father considered this to be a sign of his future, that Ambrose would become someone great, with a wonderful sense for speaking.

When Ambrose grew up, he was serving as a governor when he was unexpectedly made Bishop of Milan in 374AD because of how popular he was. Ambrose was a teacher. And his teaching was so full of love and sweet words - he helped convert many people including Saint Augustine of Hippo.

Ambrose is the patron saint of bees, beekeepers, learners and candle makers.

Saint Ambrose's feast day is 7th December.

O Lord, who hast mercy upon all,
take away from me my sins,
and mercifully kindle in me
the fire of thy Holy Spirit.
Take away from me the heart of stone,
and give me a heart of flesh,
a heart to love and adore Thee,
a heart to delight in Thee,
to follow and enjoy Thee, for Christ's sake, Amen

Saint Patrick was born in England in the early 400s, but when he was 16, he was captured by Irish pirates who took him to Ireland as a slave. Patrick prayed to God and deepened his faith. Patrick heard God telling him that he would be able to go home. After six years,  Patrick escaped slavery, and returned to England and his family, where he studied to become a priest.

After having a vision, Patrick travelled back to Ireland as a missionary  priest so that he could teach the people about God. He used examples to explain the mysteries of the faith in simple ways. One day, Saint Patrick compared the Holy Trinity to a shamrock. He said that the shamrock has three leaves, but it is only one plant. In the same way, God is three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—but one God.

God used Saint Patrick’s kidnapping to convert the Irish people. In our lives, God uses the bad times to bring about a good we do not always see. We must be patient and trust Him.

Saint Patrick’s feast day is 17th March. Saint Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland.

Be my guide Lord, everyday

Give me strength, come what may

Lord be in the hearts that love me

Help me through, when lost and lonely

Help me be- the person I am

And to do the best I can

Help me love, the way you do

So that I may love you too.

Amen.

Saint Clare of Assisi was born in 1194 in Italy. She grew up in a noble family, but she felt called to live a simple and holy life. Clare met, and was deeply inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, who preached about living in poverty and following Christ. Clare wanted to follow this same path.

At 18 years old, Clare of Assisi left her family home to join Francis. She gave up her wealth and dedicated herself to God. She started a new religious order called the Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares. These women lived in prayer and served others, depending completely on God.

Clare became the leader of her community. She was known for her deep faith, her love of poverty, and her care for the sisters who lived with her. She spent her life praying and helping others, always trusting in God’s care.

After her death in 1253, Clare was declared a saint by the Church. Her life is an example of faith, humility, and total trust in God. Today, she is honoured as the patron saint of television, as well as for her dedication to a life of poverty and prayer.

Saint Clare’s feast day is 11th August.

May Almighty God Bless you
May He look upon you with the eyes
of His Mercy and give you His peace.
Here below may He pour forth
His graces on you abundantly
and in heaven may He place you
among His saints.